These days, it seems like you can see a QR code anywhere you look. And while you may have seen an influx of QR codes over the last few years, the technology has been around since 1994 at the height of print media, when a subsidiary company of Toyota developed the concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are countless use cases for QR codes\u2014from linking to an ever-changing menu to creatively marketing a new product or business card. But before you can take advantage of everything QR codes have to offer, you first have to learn how to generate them. Luckily, it doesn\u2019t take a front end developer salary<\/a> to create one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this step-by-step guide, we\u2019ll show you how to make a QR code in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Before we dive into the QR code-making process, it\u2019s worth quickly explaining this nifty piece of technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A QR code (short for \u201cquick response\u201d code) is a unique pattern of black and white squares that can direct users to online content. When someone scans a QR code with their smartphone camera or mobile device, the connected blog page, video, or menu will automatically open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, QR codes are square-shaped. However, sometimes you\u2019ll see creative implementations of QR code technology. Clever designers often \u201chide\u201d the QR pattern in logos, shapes, or colorful imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, a QR code is a scannable black-and-white pattern found on products and packages. You might be asking yourself, \u201cHow is that different from a barcode?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, a QR code is a type <\/em>of barcode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A barcode is a series of vertical lines that conveys information. When you use a barcode scanner\u2014say, at the self-checkout of your local grocery store\u2014the machine interprets those lines as a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QR codes function in much the same way. However, due to their size and shape, they can store much more information. While barcodes can only be read in one dimension (horizontally), QR codes allow for vertical and horizontal reading. Ultimately, this feature makes QR codes much more versatile than barcodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays, anyone can make a QR code\u2014all you have to do is visit a website that generates a free QR code for your content. For this example, we\u2019ll use QR Code Generator<\/a>. If you want to experiment with other options, we\u2019ve provided a list of other generators later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Open a new browser window and head to qr-code-generator.com<\/a>. Right away, you\u2019ll see a blank text box and a handful of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To begin, select the source material that your QR code will connect to. While the most popular use of a QR code directing users to a URL, QR Code Generator lets you link to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve made your choice, follow the onscreen prompts and fill in each field. For example, for a URL, simply enter your desired address in the text box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: You\u2019ll need to create an account to take advantage of some options.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n After entering your information, you\u2019ll see a QR code appear in the top right corner of the page. You can download it as is, or you can make adjustments to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While some of these features are only available to premium members, you can still infuse some personality into your QR code for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re happy with the look of your QR code, it\u2019s time to download it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With QR Code Generator, you can download your code as a JPEG or as a vector file (.svg or .eps). Converting from PNG to SVG<\/a> ensures that your code is readable to QR scanners. If you plan to display a large version of your QR code, a vector file is best, as you can expand it infinitely without losing resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your finished product, start sharing it with the world! Use an image editor to add your QR code to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are dozens of free QR code-generating sites out there, and while they all provide the same basic service, others come with more options and features. Here are some of our recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. QR Code Generator<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The name says it all. The QR Code Generator<\/a> website allows you to create customizable QR codes for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already touched on most of the features of this code generator, so we\u2019ll leave it to you to experiment with the free service. And if you need more, paying for a premium account grants you access to extra features, including the ability to track scans and monitor incoming traffic. Plans start at \u20ac5\/month (approximately $5.50 USD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Beaconstac<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another freemium option, Beaconstac\u2019s QR code generator<\/a> offers a range of customization options, including frames, colors, and even a circular pattern. With the free version, you can link to URLs, digital business cards, text documents, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you upgrade, you can also create dynamic QR codes\u2014patterns that you can change over time to avoid reprinting marketing materials. What\u2019s more, you can schedule a dynamic QR code to direct customers to different pages throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beaconstac\u2019s paid packages range from $5 to $99 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Kaywa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a no-fuss QR code maker, you\u2019ve found it. Kaywa<\/a> allows you to paste a URL into the box and generate a QR code in seconds\u2014no accounts needed and you won\u2019t need to mess around with customizations or tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you do want those features, you can sign up for a premium plan. Kaywa offers dynamic QR codes and tracking features as part of its paid plans (which start at $13.75\/month).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Google Chrome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s right\u2014everyone\u2019s favorite web browser has a built-in QR code maker for quick and easy access. Whether you\u2019re on desktop or mobile, Google Chrome allows you to turn the website you\u2019re on into a QR code with a few clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the address bar, you should see the \u201cShare\u201d icon next to the \u201cBookmark this tab\u201d star (it looks like a box with an arrow coming out of it). Click it, then select the QR Code<\/em> from the dropdown menu. (On iPhone, you\u2019re looking for Create a QR Code<\/em>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the blink of an eye, Google turns the URL into a QR code. From here, you can edit the URL as needed, then hit Download <\/em>to save the QR code file to your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to plaster your marketing materials with QR codes, you may have a few questions first. For instance\u2014how do QR codes actually work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, a QR code is a machine-readable translation of encoded data. QR codes convert numbers, letters, and characters into a series of white and black squares. When people use their smartphone cameras to scan QR codes, the phone quickly decodes the information and turns it into a legible format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can scan it with a QR code reader app that’s available as an iPhone or Android app. You can also upload images into your mobile browser to do a Google images reverse search<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the random appearance of each QR code pattern, the carefully-arranged squares all serve specific purposes. There are seven parts to a QR code, and each section gives the scanner information about\u2014among other things\u2014the alignment of the QR code, the format information, and the data itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still feeling unsure about paying for a premium QR code generator? It could be worth it when generating leads for your products or services. Here are some of the advantages of using customized QR code for marketing, networking, and more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know how to make your own QR code, you\u2019re ready to use your new knowledge to grow your business. QR codes can help you expand your reach, save on marketing costs, and reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating paper waste. Connect your enterprise WordPress<\/a> site with a dynamic QR code that draws customers to your products and services faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more tips on marketing, SEO, eCommerce, and other essential topics? Visit our Resource Center<\/a> for all manner of tips and tricks. At WP Engine<\/a>, we have all the tools you need to move your business forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These days, it seems like you can see a QR code anywhere you look. And while you may have seen an influx of QR codes over the last few years, the technology has been around since 1994 at the height of print media, when a subsidiary company of Toyota developed the concept. There are countless…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":136828,"template":"","resource-topic":[904],"resource-role":[903],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-136827","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is a QR Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
QR Code vs. Barcode: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Make a QR Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Visit Your QR Code-Generating Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Fill in the Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code (Optional)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Download the Finished File<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best QR Code Generators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do QR Codes Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Benefits of QR Codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep Learning with WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n